THE coalition campaigning for tenanted pubs in Scotland to be freed from the beer tie has been boosted by the addition of an influential new member.
The Pub Advisory Service (PAS) joins after playing a key role in reforming the tenanted pub market south of the Border.
Its support comes shortly after the Scottish Tourism Alliance joined the campaign, citing concerns over the impact the tie is having on its sector.
The coalition, whose members include Tennent Caledonian, Williams Brothers and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, is calling for an end to the beer tie.
The controversial mechanism, which MPs have voted to scrap in England, compels tenants of major pub companies to buy beer from their landlords, often at significantly higher than the market rate. It is believed as many as 1000 pubs in Scotland are affected.
Anti-tie campaigners in Scotland are also calling for tenants to be entitled to seek rent reviews on the open market.
Their stance is opposed by the British Beer & Pub Association, the representative body for major brewers and pubcos which is understood to be against immediate change to the market in Scotland.
The issue is due to be debated in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, after a motion lodged by MSP Paul Martin calling for a pubco code of practice to be introduced in Scotland gained cross-party support. Mr Martin is calling for more balance in the relationship between tenants and landlords.
Branded beer bottles carrying key campaign messages will be delivered to MSPs before the debate.
Dan Parson of PAS said: "Given the wealth of evidence that already exists against tied pubs, it seems strange that some people in power still need convincing.
"In many ways, I would argue that the need for change in Scotland is greater than England and Wales, given the effects of the drink drive legislation.
"Our message to Holyrood is clear - listen to the industry, look at the facts, and commit to change."
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